On May 11, 2018, Madigan Army Medical Center's Pediatric Department held its first "Pediatric LIVE!" virtual town hall on Facebook. Previously, Madigan's various change of command ceremonies, 25th anniversary celebration, Wi-Fi virtual ribbon-cutting, and other events have been streamed to thousands of military families over the last two years. The interactive format uses social media to keep patients engaged in new and innovative ways. The streaming video of the first pediatric virtual town hall reached over 4,500 Facebook users overall and had over 1,100 livestreaming views.

"I believe we met the intent of what we were hoping to accomplish," said Col. Matthew Studer, chief of the Department of Pediatrics. "We want to make sure we are engaged with our patients, providing the very best care, and hearing the concerns of our military families."

Since its first virtual town hall, Madigan's pediatrics team tripled its engagement in September with another LIVE! Facebook broadcast. Madigan looks to utilize the platform extensively in 2019.

"For patients who are at home, busy, or unable to attend a traditional town hall, but have access to their smartphone, tablet or laptop, virtual town halls give them an opportunity to participate regardless of their location or schedule," said Jay Ebbeson, Madigan's public affairs officer.

Madigan will hold a third "Pediatric LIVE!" Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. on the Madigan Facebook page, interacting directly with Madigan patients and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community in real-time.

In addition to Madigan's Department of Pediatrics, Madigan's Outpatient Pharmacy will also be hosting its first Facebook LIVE! Virtual Town Hall event Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.